Free Electricity Scheme Gains Momentum in Bihar; 1,144 Homes in the District Get Rooftop Solar Systems, ₹7.75 Crore Subsidy Released
Bhagalpur/Patna: The Central Government's flagship PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme is making steady progress in promoting solar energy across Bihar. Under the scheme, 1,144 households in the district have so far installed rooftop solar systems. These beneficiaries have received a total subsidy of ₹7.75 crore from the Central Government. The information was provided by the Union Government in a written reply to a question raised by Member of Parliament Ajay Kumar Mandal during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
According to the Central Government, the objective of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme is to provide affordable, clean, and sustainable electricity to millions of households across the country. By encouraging the installation of rooftop solar systems, the scheme aims to reduce electricity bills for consumers while promoting renewable energy and environmental conservation.
In its reply in Parliament, the government stated that 1,144 families in the district have already benefited from the scheme. A total subsidy of ₹7.75 crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of these beneficiaries. The government said it is working closely with state authorities and power distribution companies to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.
During the parliamentary discussion, MP Ajay Kumar Mandal welcomed the progress of the scheme but also highlighted several issues requiring attention. He pointed out that many applicants have been facing delays in obtaining bank loan approvals. He also raised concerns about complaints regarding the installation of substandard equipment at some locations and urged the government to address these issues promptly.
The Central Government informed Parliament that, as of July 22, 2026, Bihar had received 87,787 applications under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. Of these, 24,238 rooftop solar systems have already been installed, while 24,970 families have received the benefits of the scheme. The government has released a total subsidy of ₹161.76 crore to beneficiaries across the state.
The government also emphasized that no compromise will be made on quality standards. Strict technical specifications have been established for solar panels, inverters, and other equipment installed under the scheme. Beneficiaries are required to purchase equipment only from government-registered vendors to ensure quality and reliability.
Another important feature of the scheme is the mandatory five-year free maintenance provided by authorized solar vendors. This provision ensures that beneficiaries receive maintenance and technical support without additional costs in case of system-related issues.
To maintain quality, the government has also introduced a third-party inspection mechanism. Independent agencies inspect installed rooftop solar systems to verify that they comply with prescribed technical standards and are functioning properly.
For quick resolution of complaints, the Central Government has established a toll-free helpline (15555). Beneficiaries facing issues related to bank loans, solar vendors, subsidy disbursement, installation, or any other aspect of the scheme can register complaints through the helpline. The government stated that officials have been instructed to ensure timely resolution of grievances.
MP Ajay Kumar Mandal appealed to eligible families across the district to take advantage of the scheme. He said that the PM Surya Ghar Scheme would not only reduce household electricity expenses but also promote clean energy and contribute significantly to environmental protection. He advised applicants to complete the process only through the official portal and government-authorized vendors.
Energy experts believe that greater adoption of rooftop solar systems will reduce dependence on conventional power sources while providing long-term financial benefits to consumers. Increased use of renewable energy is also expected to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen efforts to combat climate change.
The Bihar Government and power distribution companies are also conducting awareness campaigns to encourage wider participation in the scheme. Information camps are being organized across districts to educate people about the application process, subsidies, bank financing, and technical aspects of rooftop solar installations.
However, delays in bank loan approvals and complaints regarding equipment quality at some locations continue to pose challenges to the effective implementation of the scheme. The Central Government said that necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned agencies and that continuous monitoring is being carried out to address these issues.
Current figures indicate that the PM Surya Ghar: Free Electricity Scheme is expanding rapidly across Bihar. Thousands of families are switching to solar energy, benefiting from lower electricity bills while contributing to the country's clean energy transition. The government expects the number of applications and installations to increase further in the coming months, giving a significant boost to renewable energy adoption in the state.
